Science & technology universities call for alliances to go "from project logic to long-term ecosystems"

CESAER, an association of over 50 European science and technology universities, has argued that while European university alliances have moved beyond their initial pilot phases, structural funding barriers and fragmented policy frameworks currently limit their potential to drive European competitiveness.

In a white paper released on 20/04/2026 and titled "Inside European University Alliances: Perspectives from science and technology universities", the association highlighted a fundamental shift in how alliances are perceived. No longer viewed as mere "short-term projects", alliances are now seen as long-term institutionalised cooperation frameworks that are deeply aligned with the strategic priorities of their member universities.

As one university leader in a comprehensive alliance noted: “What we develop in the alliance is not an extra activity; it helps us change how we teach, collaborate across disciplines and work with partners”.

The white paper is based on interviews with university leaders and consultations with staff and students.

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